Foam dispensers and refill units for foam dispensers

ABSTRACT

A refill unit for a foam dispenser that has an air compressor permanently attached to the dispenser is provided herein. The refill unit includes a liquid container and a body portion having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body portion is fluidly coupled to the liquid container. A liquid chamber is located in the pump body, the liquid chamber having an expanded state and a contracted state. An outlet nozzle is located proximate a second end of the body portion. A mixing chamber is located within the body portion. An air inlet is located through the body portion and is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet. The sanitary seal allows air to enter into the mixing chamber and prevents liquid from traveling out of the body portion through the air inlet.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility patent application claims priority to andthe benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/644,784filed on May 9, 2012, and entitled FOAM DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS FORFOAM DISPENSERS. This application is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application generally relates to foam dispensers fordispensing liquid material, such as liquid soap in the form of a foamand refill units for foam dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Foam dispensers are generally configured to provide a user with anamount of soap or sanitizer in the form of foam upon actuation of thedispenser. Foam dispensers generally convert liquid material, such asliquid soap or sanitizer, into foam by aerating the liquid material asit is dispensed. Air is generally injected into the liquid material toform air bubbles in the liquid, causing the formation of foam. Foamdispensers may include a replaceable refill container that is replacedafter the liquid material therein is consumed by the user. Foamdispensers with high usage rates generally require frequent replacementof the refill container.

SUMMARY

A refill unit for a foam dispenser that has an air compressorpermanently attached to the dispenser is provided herein. The refillunit includes a liquid container and a body portion having a first endand a second end. The first end of the body portion is fluidly coupledto the liquid container. A liquid chamber is located in the pump body,the liquid chamber having an expanded state and a contracted state. Anoutlet nozzle is located proximate a second end of the body portion. Amixing chamber is located within the body portion. An air inlet islocated through the body portion and is in fluid communication with themixing chamber. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet. Thesanitary seal allows air to enter into the mixing chamber and preventsliquid from traveling out of the body portion through the air inlet.

A foam dispenser for dispensing foam including a housing and an aircompressor permanently secured to the housing is disclosed herein. Theair outlet is in fluid communication with the air compressor. The airoutlet is also in fluid communication with the atmosphere when there isno refill unit installed in the dispenser. A nozzle is connected to theair outlet. The nozzle is configured to releasably mate with a manifoldthat is part of a refill unit and when the refill unit is installed inthe foam dispenser, the air outlet is placed in fluid communication witha mixing chamber in the refill unit. In addition, the dispenser includesa liquid pump actuating member for moving a portion of a liquid pump topump liquid.

A foam dispenser including a housing and an air compressor permanentlysecured to the housing is disclosed herein. The air compressor includesan outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle is in fluid communication with theatmosphere when no refill unit is installed. A sealing member forsealing the nozzle to a manifold of a refill unit is also provided. Theoutlet nozzle is releasably sealed to a manifold of a refill unitforming an airtight seal with the manifold when the refill unit isinstalled in the foam dispenser. Thus, once the refill unit is installedin the foam dispenser, the outlet nozzle is placed in fluidcommunication with a mixing chamber in the refill unit. In addition, thedispenser includes a liquid pump actuating member for moving a portionof a liquid pump to pump liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated,which, together with the general description of the invention givenabove and the detailed description given below, serve to exemplify theprinciples of the inventions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a foam dispenser according to an embodiment of thepresent application.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a foam dispenser according to anembodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2B is a partially exploded perspective view of the foam dispensershown in FIG. 2A, wherein the housing of the dispenser is shownseparated from other components of the dispenser.

FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of the foam dispenser shown inFIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a foam dispenser accordingto an embodiment of the present application.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views of the refill unit andthe air pump of the foam dispenser shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a carriage assembly accordingto an embodiment of the present application.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the carriage assembly shown inFIG. 5 including a pump assembly.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a first portion of a housing of afoam dispenser according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a frame of a foam dispenser according toan embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a foam dispenser.

FIG. 10 illustrates the dispenser of FIG. 9 with the lid raised forremoval of the refill unit.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a foamdispenser.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connecting mechanism toconnect an air source secured to the foam dispenser to a refill unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As described herein, when one or more components are described as beingconnected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached or otherwiseinterconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between thecomponents or may be indirect such as through the use of one or moreintermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a“member,” “component” or “portion” shall not be limited to a singlestructural member, component or element, but can include an assembly ofcomponents, members or elements.

The foam dispensers generally include a refill portion and an air pump.The refill portion of the foam dispensers generally include a liquidcontainer fluidly coupled to a liquid pump, a mixing chamber, a foamcartridge and an outlet nozzle. The liquid pump is generally configuredto draw liquid material from the liquid container into the liquid pumpand expel the liquid material from the liquid pump into the mixingchamber. Further, the air pump, which is not part of the refill unit andis fixed to the dispenser housing, is generally configured to draw airinto the air pump and expel the air from the air pump into the mixingchamber. The liquid material from the liquid pump mixes with the airfrom the air pump in the mixing chamber to form a mixture. The mixtureis then dispensed out of the outlet of the foam dispenser as foam.

The refill portion of the foam dispenser is configured to bereplaceable. Once the liquid material in the liquid container isconsumed, the refill portion may be removed from the foam dispenser andreplaced with a another refill portion with minimal effort. The foamdispenser is configured such that replacement of the refill portion isquick and easily understood upon visual inspection of the foamdispenser. Further, the refill portion of the foam dispenser includesthe “wet” components of the foam dispenser. These components may permitthe growth of mold or other substances if the wet components were toremain with the dispenser when the refill unit is replaced. Such aresult is undesirable and therefore all of the wet parts are discardedwith the refill unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a foam dispenser 100 according to an embodiment ofthe present application. As illustrated, the foam dispenser 100 includesan air pump 104. A refill unit 102 is removably installed in foamdispenser 100. Refill unit 102 includes liquid container 112, liquidpump 116, mixing chamber 106, a screen 108 and an outlet 110. Liquidpump 116 includes a first valve 114 and a second valve 118.

The liquid container 112 of the foam dispenser 100 may take a variety ofshapes, forms or configurations capable holding a liquid material, suchas liquid soap, foamable liquid soap, liquid sanitizer or the like. Forexample, the liquid container 112 may be a bag, a pouch, a gusseted bagor pouch, a bottle or a collapsible bottle. The liquid container 112 maybe flexible or rigid, and may be made from a variety of materials. Theoutlet 122 of the liquid container 112 may be integrally formed with thecontainer or may be a separate component that is attached or otherwisecoupled to the container. The outlet 122 of the liquid container 112 mayalso include a pierceable membrane that is pierced by pump 116 inlet topermit fluid communication between the liquid container 112 and theliquid pump 116.

Various devices or methods may be used to prohibit usage of a wrong,unintended or otherwise improper liquid container 112 or refill unit 102with the foam dispenser 100. These devices or methods may be mechanical,electrical and/or chemical in nature. One example of such device ormethod is “keying” the liquid container 112 or refill unit 102 with oneor more other components of the foam dispenser 100. A first portion ofthe key (not shown) may be attached to the liquid container 112 orrefill unit 102. The first portion of the key being configured to matewith a second portion of the key (not shown) that may be attached toanother component, such as the frame, of the foam dispenser 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the liquid pump 116 of the foam dispenser 100is configured to draw liquid material from the liquid container 112 intothe liquid pump and expel the liquid material from the liquid pump intothe mixing chamber 106 of the foam dispenser 100. The liquid pump 116includes a liquid chamber having a variable volume. Increasing thevolume of the liquid chamber creates a vacuum within the liquid chamberthat draws liquid material from the liquid container 112 into the liquidpump 116. Decreasing the volume of the liquid chamber expels the liquidmaterial in the liquid chamber into the mixing chamber 106.

In one embodiment, a flexible member at least partially forms the liquidchamber of the liquid pump 116. The flexible member is configured toexpand and collapse between an expanded condition and a collapsedcondition to increase and decrease the volume of the liquid chamber.Expansion of the flexible member creates a vacuum within the liquidchamber that draws liquid material from the liquid container 112 pastone-way inlet check valve 114 into the liquid pump 116. Collapse of theflexible member expels the liquid material past one-way outlet checkvalve 118 into the mixing chamber 106. Exemplary flexible members of theliquid pump 116 include a flexible dome or bellow. The flexible membermay be made of a variety of materials, such as an elastomeric polymer.The flexible member may also be resilient such that the flexible memberexpands naturally back to the substantially expanded condition aftercollapse. In some embodiments, the liquid pump 116 may include a biasingmember, such as a spring or elastomeric element (not shown), configuredto bias the flexible member toward the substantially expanded condition.

In another embodiment (not shown), a piston and housing or cylinderforms the liquid chamber of the liquid pump 116. The piston isconfigured to move within the housing creating a liquid chamber thatreciprocates between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition toincrease and decrease the volume of the liquid chamber. Moving thepiston to increase the volume of the liquid chamber creates a vacuumwithin the liquid chamber that draws liquid material past one-way inletcheck valve 114 from the liquid container 112 into the liquid pump 116.Moving the piston to decrease the volume of the liquid chamber expelsthe liquid material in the liquid chamber through one-way outlet checkvalve 118 and into the mixing chamber 106. In some embodiments, theliquid pump 116 may include a biasing member, such as a spring orelastomeric element (not shown), configured to bias the piston towardthe substantially expanded condition to increase the volume of theliquid chamber.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, first valve 114 is positioned between theliquid container 112 and the liquid pump 116. The first valve 114regulates the flow of liquid material between the liquid container 112and the liquid pump 116. The first valve 114 may be a one-way valveconfigured to permit the flow of liquid material from the liquidcontainer 112 to the liquid pump 116 and prohibit the flow of liquidmaterial from the liquid pump 116 to the liquid container 112. Forexample, in one embodiment, the first valve 114 is biased toward aclosed position (i.e., normally closed) and configured such that thevacuum created by increasing the volume of the liquid chamber (e.g.,when the flexible member of the liquid pump 116 is moved outward) opensthe valve to permit the flow of liquid material from the liquidcontainer 112 to the liquid pump 116. Once the liquid chamber isexpanded, the first valve closes to prohibit the flow of liquid materialfrom the liquid pump 116 back to the liquid container 112. Further, whenthe volume of the liquid chamber is decreased (e.g., when the flexiblemember of the liquid pump 116 is moved inward or collapsed), the firstvalve 114 is closed to prohibit the flow of liquid material from theliquid pump 116 back to the liquid container 112. The first valve may bea variety of valves such as, for example, a flap valve, a check valve, apoppet valve, a duck-bill valve, a ball and spring valve or any otherone-way valve.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the second valve 118 is positioned betweenthe liquid pump 116 and the mixing chamber 106. The second valve 118regulates the flow of liquid material between the liquid pump 116 andthe mixing chamber 106. The second valve 118 may be a one-way valveconfigured to permit the flow of liquid material from the liquid pump116 to the mixing chamber 106 and prohibit the flow of liquid materialand/or air from the mixing chamber 106 to the liquid pump 116. Forexample, in one embodiment, the second valve 118 is biased toward aclosed position (i.e., normally closed) and configured such that anexpulsion of liquid material created by decreasing the volume of theliquid chamber (e.g., collapsing the flexible member of the liquid pump116) opens the valve to permit the flow of liquid material from theliquid pump 116 to the mixing chamber 106. Once the liquid chamber iscollapsed, the second valve 118 closes to prohibit the flow of liquidmaterial and/or air from the mixing chamber 106 back to the liquid pump116. Further, when the volume of the liquid chamber increases (e.g.,when the flexible member of the liquid pump moves outward), the secondvalve 118 is closed to prohibit the flow of liquid material and/or airfrom the mixing chamber 106 back to the liquid pump 116. The secondvalve 118 may be a variety of valves such as, for example, a flap valve,a check valve, a poppet valve, a duck-bill valve, a ball and springvalve, a slit valve or any type of one-way valve.

Mixing chamber 106 includes an air inlet 150 having a one-way air inletvalve 151. One-way air inlet valve 151 allows air to enter the mixingchamber 106 but prevents liquid material from exiting the mixing chamber106 and contacting air pump 104. One-way air inlet valve 151 may be anyone-way inlet valve such as, for example, a flap valve, a check valve, apoppet valve, a duck-bill valve, a ball and spring valve, a slit valveor any type of one-way valve. One-way air inlet valve 151 is a sanitaryvalve in that it prevents liquid from contaminating air pump 104. Ifliquid is permitted to contaminate air pump 104, which remains with thedispenser 100 when the refill unit 102 is removed, mold may grow in theair pump 104 and cause the dispenser 104 to dispense contaminated foam.One-way air inlet valve 151 prevents such contamination. One-way inletair valve 151 is secured to mixing chamber 106 and is disposed of withrefill unit 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the refill unit 102 of the foam dispenser 100includes the liquid container 112, outlet 122, the first valve 114, theliquid pump 116, the second valve 118, the mixing chamber 106, one-wayair inlet valve 151, screen(s) 108 and outlet 110. The refill unit 102is removably coupled to the air pump 104 of the foam dispenser 100. Oncethe liquid material in the liquid container 112 is consumed, the refillunit 102 may be removed from the foam dispenser 100 and replaced withanother refill unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air pump 104 of the foam dispenser 100 isconfigured to draw air into the air pump and expel the air from the airpump into the mixing chamber 106. The air pump 104 includes an airchamber having a variable volume. Increasing the volume of the airchamber creates a vacuum within the air chamber that draws air into theair pump 104 through an air inlet 128 past one-way air inlet valve 129.Decreasing the volume of the air chamber expels the air in the airchamber into the mixing chamber 106.

In one embodiment, a flexible member at least partially forms the airchamber of the air pump 104. The flexible member is configured to expandand collapse between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition toincrease and decrease the volume of the air chamber. Expansion of theflexible member creates a vacuum within the air chamber that draws airinto the air pump 104 through one-way air inlet valve 129. Collapse ofthe flexible member expels the air in the air chamber through air inletvalve 151 and into the mixing chamber 106. Exemplary flexible members ofthe air pump 104 include a flexible dome or bellow. The flexible membermay also be resilient such that the flexible member expands naturallyback to the expanded condition after collapse. In some embodiments, theair pump 104 may include a biasing member (not shown), such as a springor elastomeric element, configured to bias the flexible member towardthe expanded condition.

In another embodiment, a piston encased within a housing or cylinderforms the air chamber of the air pump 104. The piston is configured tomove within the housing between an expanded condition and a collapsedcondition to increase and decrease the volume of the air chamber. Movingthe piston to increase the volume of the air chamber creates a vacuumwithin the air chamber that draws air into the air pump 104. Moving thepiston to decrease the volume of the air chamber expels the air in theair chamber into the mixing chamber 106. In some embodiments, the airpump 104 may include a biasing member, such as a spring or elastomericelement, configured to bias the piston toward the substantially expandedcondition to increase the volume of the air chamber.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the foam dispenser 100 includes one or moreactuators 124/126 configured to operate the air pump 104 and/or liquidpump 116 of the dispenser 100. The one or more actuators 124/126 may beconfigured to provide an actuating force to facilitate collapse orexpansion of a flexible member, or movement of a piston, of the air pump104 and/or the liquid pump 116 to increase or decrease the volume of theair or liquid chamber. The one or more actuators 124/126 may also beconfigured to operate the air pump 104 and liquid pump 116 of thedispenser 100 such that the liquid material from the liquid pump and theair from the air pump enter the mixing chamber 106 at approximately thesame time. The one or more actuators 124/126 may be configured tooperate the air pump 104 and the liquid pump 116 substantiallysimultaneously (i.e., at approximately the same time or instant),concurrently (i.e., overlapping in duration), or consecutively (i.e.,one after the other), or a combination thereof

The one or more actuators 124/126 may include an actuating memberconfigured to operatively engage a flexible member or piston of theliquid pump 116 and/or the air pump 104. For example, the actuatingmember may include a lever, bracket, plate, protrusion, boss or otherengagement member that operatively engages the flexible member or pistonof the liquid pump 116 and/or the air pump 104. The actuating member maybe configured to be moved by a user of the foam dispenser 100 from afirst position to a second position to collapse the flexible member, ormove the piston, and decrease the volume of the liquid or air chamber.As such, the liquid material from the liquid pump 116 and the air fromthe air pump 104 are expelled into the mixing chamber 106 of thedispenser 100 through foam generating member/screen(s) 108 and out ofoutlet 110. In addition, the actuator may be an electric actuatoractivating electronically upon detection of a user's hand.

The actuating member may also be adjustable to control the amount ofliquid material and/or air expelled into the mixing chamber 106 of thedispenser 100. For example, the position of the actuating memberrelative to the liquid pump 116 and/or the air pump 104 may be adjustedsuch that the amount the flexible member is collapsed or the piston ismoved when the actuating member is moved from the first position to thesecond position, such as, for example, to increase or decrease theamount of liquid material and/or air expelled into the mixing chamber106.

Further, the actuating member may be biased towards the first positionsuch that, upon release, the member moves toward the first position(i.e., from the second position to the first position). A biasingmember, such as a spring or elastomeric element, may be used to bias theactuating member toward the first position. The movement of theactuating member toward the first position permits the flexible memberto expand, or the piston to move, back to an expanded condition. Theactuating member may also be coupled to the flexible member or piston.With the actuating member coupled to the flexible member or piston, themovement of the member towards the first position facilitates theexpansion of the flexible member, or movement of the piston, to increasethe volume of the liquid or air chamber.

The one or more actuators 124/126 may also include a mechanism that isconfigured to facilitate collapse or expansion of a flexible member, ormovement of a piston, of the air pump 104 and/or the liquid pump 116 toincrease or decrease the volume of the air or liquid chamber. Forexample, in one embodiment, a flexible member is coupled to a carriageassembly such that movement of the carriage expands and collapses theflexible member. The mechanism may be driven by a variety of manualand/or automated means, such as, for example, a motor, cylinder, lever,actuating member or other actuator. Further, the mechanism may includegearing, such as a rack and pinion assembly, to facilitate movement ofthe mechanism.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a foam dispenser 200 according to an embodimentof the present application. The foam dispenser 200 includes a refillunit 202, an air pump 204, a manifold 206, a foaming tip 208 (FIG. 3)and a housing 230. The refill unit 202 of the foam dispenser 200includes a liquid container 212, a liquid pump 262, a manifold 206 thatforms a mixing chamber 314, foaming cartridge 208 and an outlet 260. Asillustrated, the foam dispenser 200 also includes an actuating lever 238for the liquid pump 262, air pump 204 and a carriage assembly 272 foractuating the air pump 204. Further, the foam dispenser 200 includes aframe 240 for supporting one or more components of the refill unit 202.

Housing 230 encases the components of the foam dispenser 200 andincludes a first portion 234 removably attached to a second portion 236.The first portion 234 of the housing 230 is movable relative to thesecond portion 236. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the first portion 234of the housing 230 is pivotally attached to the second portion 236 atpivot point 242. The second portion 236 includes one or more pins 244configured to mate with one or more apertures 246 in the first portion234 to form the pivot point 242. Further, the pins 244 are attached toflanges 248 of the second portion 236. The flanges 248 are configuredsuch that they may be flexed inward to position the pins 244 forinsertion into the apertures 246 and then return to a neutral positionwhen released such that the pins 244 may be inserted into the apertures246. To remove the first portion 234 from the second portion 236 of thehousing 230, the flanges 248 may be flexed inward such that the pins 244are removed from the apertures 246 of the first portion 234. Further,the first portion 234 includes openings or notches 250 that permitaccess to the flanges 248 when the first portion is attached to thesecond portion 236.

The first portion 234 of the housing 230 also includes one or moreguides for directing the movement of the first portion 234 relative tothe second portion 236. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the first portion234 of the housing includes guide members 252 having openings or slots254 that are configured to mate with guide pins 256 of the secondportion 236. The interaction of the slot 254 with the guide pin 256restricts the pivotal movement of the first portion 234 relative to thesecond portion 236. Further, the guide pins 256 of the second portion236 include flanged ends that secure the guide pins 256 in the slots254. The guide pins 256 also include a notch in the end such that thesides of the guide pin may be squeezed together to permit insertion andremoval of the guide pins 256 in and from the slots 254.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first portion 234 of the housing 230 alsoincludes an opening or notch 710 for the outlet 260 of the dispenser 200and openings or notches 712 for the support members of the guide pins256 of the second portion 236. The openings or notches 710 and 712provide clearance for the outlet 260 and the support members as thefirst portion 234 is moved relative to the second portion 236 of thehousing 230.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the second portion 236 of the housing230 includes apertures 258 for mounting the second portion (i.e., to awall or other upright support). In this regard, the second portion 236of the housing 230 acts as a mounting bracket for the foam dispenser 200and the first portion 234 of the housing acts as a movable cover of thefoam dispenser. As described below in reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, thefirst portion 234 of the housing 230 acts as an actuator in thatmovement of the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236causes liquid material from the liquid container 212 to be dispensed outof the outlet 260 of the foam dispenser 200 as foam.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 2C and 8, the frame 240 of the foamdispenser 200 is attached to the second portion 236 of the housing 230.The frame 240 and the second portion 236 of the housing 230 form acavity for holding the liquid container 212 of the refill unit 202 (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B). Further, the frame 240 includes an opening or notch810 that provides access for the body portion 232 of the refill unit 202and a support member 812 for supporting the body portion 232 of therefill unit 202. When the refill unit 202 of the foam dispenser 200 isinstalled, the liquid container 212 is placed in the cavity formed bythe frame 240 and the second portion 236 of the housing 230. Further,the body portion 232 of the refill unit 202 is placed in the notch 810such that the liquid pump 262 is accessible outside of the cavity. Thebody portion 232 of the refill unit 202 is slid into a groove 814 of thesupport member 812 such that the refill unit 202 is supported or held inplace relative to the frame 240 of the foam dispenser 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the manifold 206 is attached toliquid pump 262. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and as describedbelow, when the refill unit 202 is installed, the inlet 360 of manifold206 of the refill unit 202 releasably mates with a first end portion 326of air pump 204. When refill unit 202 is inserted into dispenser 200,manifold inlet 360 aligns with the opening 327 in first end portion 326of air pump 204. The air pump 204 may be joined to inlet 360 by pushingmanifold 206 towards air pump 204 or by pressing the actuator 238.Manifold 206 includes an annular groove 329 and o-ring 331. O-ring 331forms a seal between manifold 206 and air pump opening 327.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B-3B and 6A-6B, the air pump 204 of the foamdispenser 200 is coupled to the carriage assembly 272. The carriageassembly 272 facilitates the collapse and expansion of a flexible member264 of the air pump 204 to increase and decrease the volume of the airchamber. An aperture 266 in the second portion 236 of the housing 230and an aperture 268 in the carriage 270 of the carriage assembly 272form a conduit for air to enter the air pump 204. As shown, the carriageassembly 272 is attached to the second portion 236 of the housing 230with fasteners; however, other methods of attachment may be used suchas, for example, an adhesive, weld or the like. The carriage assembly272 may also be attached to the frame 240 of the foam dispenser 200.Further, the second portion 236 of the housing 230 includes alignmentmembers 274 configured to mate with brackets 276 of the carriageassembly 272 to facilitate proper placement and alignment of thecarriage assembly 272.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B-3B, a first end of the actuating lever 238 ofthe foam dispenser 200 is secured to the frame 240 by one or more clips278. The clips 278 are snapped over protrusions 280 on the first end ofthe actuating lever 238. The clips 278 are configured to permit limitedmovement of the first end of the actuating lever 238 relative to theframe 240. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B and 7, a second end of theactuating lever 238 of the foam dispenser 200 is secured to the firstportion 234 of the housing 230. Protrusions 282 on the second end of theactuating lever 238 are inserted into apertures 714 in the first portion234 of the housing 230. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, theactuating lever 238 includes an engagement member 310 configured tooperatively engage a flexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262.Engagement member 310 is adjustable. In one embodiment the body ofengagement member 310 has threads and screws into actuator lever 238.Thus, engagement member 310 can be adjusted to fully collapse the liquidchamber or to partially collapse the liquid chamber. Thus, output ofpump 262 may adjusted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the body portion 232 of the refillunit 202 includes a first member 316 coupled to a second member 318. Thefirst member 316 includes a first end 302 and a second end 340. Further,the first member 316 is coupled to the flexible member 312 and at leastpartially forms the liquid pump 262 of the dispenser 200. The secondmember 318 of the body portion 232 includes a first end 342 and a secondend 344. As shown, the second end 340 of the first member 316 is coupledto the first end 342 of the second member 318 with a snap fitconnection. However, other types of connections may be used such as, forexample, a press fit or threaded connection. Further, the body portion232 of the refill unit 202 may be formed from one or more components;for example, the body portion may be formed from a single piece ofmaterial.

The first end 302 of the first member 316 is fluidly connected to theliquid container 212. As shown, the first end 302 is inserted throughthe liquid container 212 and extends into the liquid container. Thefirst end 302 may also be configured to pierce the liquid container 212to permit fluid communication between the liquid container and theliquid pump 262. A ridge or notch 320 on the first member 316 forms afluid tight seal with the liquid container 212 to prohibit liquidmaterial from leaking between the liquid container and the first member316.

The body portion 232 of the refill unit 202 is shaped and configured tomate with a socket or opening 418 in the first end 414 of the manifold206 to form a fluid tight connection. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, theopening 418 in the manifold 206 has a first portion 420 and a secondportion 416. The second portion 416 of the opening 418 has a smallerinterior diameter than the first portion 420. A radial flange 480 of thebody portion 232 contacts a sealing element 410 coupled to the first end414 of the manifold 206. The flange 480 and the sealing element 410 forma fluid tight seal that prohibits liquid material from leaking outbetween the body portion 232 and the manifold 206.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the operation of the foam dispenser 200according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3Aillustrates the components of the foam dispenser 200 in a first positionin which the flexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262 and the flexiblemember 264 of the air pump 204 are in an expanded condition. FIG. 3Billustrates the components of the foam dispenser 200 in a secondposition in which the flexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262 and theflexible member 264 of the air pump 204 are in a collapsed condition. Asshown, the flexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262 is configured as adome made of a resilient material and the flexible member 264 of the airpump 204 is configured as a bellows made of a resilient material.

When the housing 230 of the foam dispenser 200 is in the first position,the lower end of first portion 234 of the housing is moved away from thesecond portion 236. The first portion 234 of the housing 230 pivotsabout the pivot point 242 (FIG. 2A) and is moved toward the secondportion 236 when the first portion 234 is moved from the first positionto the second position. The guides of the housing 230 limit the movementof the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236.

As the first portion 234 of the housing 230 is moved from the firstposition to the second position, the engagement member 310 of theactuating lever 238 engages the flexible member 312 of the liquid pump262 to collapse the flexible member 312. When this occurs, an inletvalve 304 is closed to prohibit the flow of liquid material from theliquid pump 262 to the liquid container 212. As shown in FIGS. 3A and3B, the inlet valve 304 is a flap valve integrally formed with theflexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262 and coupled to the firstmember 316 of the body portion 232. However, a variety of other valvesmay be used, such as, for example, a check valve, poppet valve, flapvalve, ball and spring and ball valve, mushroom valve, umbrella valve orother one-way check valve or the like. Further, as illustrated in FIGS.3A and 3B, the flexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262 is coupled tothe first member 316 of the body portion 232.

When the flexible member 312 of the liquid pump 262 is collapsed, theliquid material in the liquid pump 262 is forced out of the liquid pumpand through an outlet valve 306. The outlet valve 306 is opened topermit flow of the liquid material from the body portion 232 and intothe mixing chamber 314 of the manifold 206. As illustrated in FIGS. 3Aand 3B, the outlet valve 306 is a slit valve coupled to the second end344 of the second member 318 of the body portion 232; however, a varietyof other valves may be used such as, for example, a check valve, a flapvalve, poppet valve, ball and spring valve, mushroom valve, umbrellavalve or other one-way check valve, or the like.

The liquid pump 262 and/or the outlet valve 306 may be configured todeliver the liquid material to the mixing chamber 314 at a pressuresufficient to permit conversion of the liquid material to foam.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the air pump 204 of the foamdispenser 200 includes a first end portion 326 and a second end portion328. The first end portion 326 forms a first end of the air pump 204 andis configured to couple with the flexible member 264 to an inlet 360 ofthe manifold 206. Manifold 206 includes a one-way check valve 322.One-way check valve 322 is a sanitary valve and prevents liquid fromcontaminating air pump 204. Further, a nozzle 308 is coupled to thefirst end portion 326 of the air pump 204 and is in fluid communicationwith the air chamber of the air pump 204. The second end portion 328forms a second end of the air pump 204 and is configured to couple theflexible member 264 to the carriage 270 of the carriage assembly 272.The second end portion 328 is coupled to the aperture 268 in thecarriage 270. The second end portion 328 also includes an inlet valve324 that is in fluid communication with the air chamber of the air pump204.

As the first portion 234 of the housing 230 is moved from the firstposition to the second position, the carriage assembly 272 collapses theflexible member 264 of the air pump 204. Engagement members 372 formedon the inside of the first portion 234 of the housing 230 (see FIGS. 3Band 7) contact actuating members 370 of the carriage assembly 272 (seeFIGS. 3B and 5-6B). As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and as describedbelow, the movement of the actuating members 370 from the first positionto the second position moves the carriage 270 of the carriage assembly272 to collapse the flexible member 264 of the air pump 204. When thisoccurs, the inlet valve 324 of the air pump 204 is closed to prohibitthe flow of air from the air pump 204 to outside the foam dispenser 200.As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the inlet valve 324 is a mushroomvalve; however, a variety of other valves may be used such as, forexample, a check valve, flap valve, slit valve, ball and spring valve,etc.

As the flexible member 264 of the air pump 204 collapses, the air in theair pump is forced out of the air pump and into the mixing chamber 314of the manifold 206 through the one-way check valve 322 of manifold 206.

The air from the air pump 204 mixes with the liquid material from theliquid pump 262 in the mixing chamber 314 to form a pre-foam mixture.The pre-foam mixture is delivered from the mixing chamber 314 to thefoaming cartridge 208. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the foamingcartridge 208 includes one or more screens 308. The pre-foam mixturepasses through the screens 308 to create a foam that is dispensed out ofthe outlet 260 of the foam dispenser 200.

When the first portion 234 of the housing 230 is released, biasingmembers 380 move the actuating members 372 of the carriage assembly 272from the second position to the first position. As illustrated in FIGS.3A-3B and 5-6B, the biasing members 380 of the carriage assembly 272 aresprings; however, other biasing members may be used such as, forexample, an elastomeric element. When this occurs, the actuating members372 of the carriage assembly 272 move the first portion 234 of thehousing 230 from the second position to the first position.

As the first portion 234 of the housing 230 is moved from the secondposition to the first position, the engagement member 310 of theactuating lever 238 moves away from the flexible member 312 of theliquid pump 262 and the flexible member is permitted to expand back tothe substantially expanded condition. The inlet valve 304 of the refillportion 202 is configured such that the vacuum created by the expansionof the flexible member 312 opens the inlet valve to permit the flow ofliquid material from the liquid container 212 into the liquid pump 262.Further, the outlet valve 306 of the refill portion 202 is configuredsuch that the vacuum created by the expansion of the flexible member 312closes the outlet valve 306 to prohibit the flow of liquid material fromthe liquid pump 262 to the mixing chamber 314.

Furthermore, the movement of the actuating members 370 of the carriageassembly 272 from the second position to the first position expands theflexible member 264 of the air pump 204 back to an expanded condition.As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and as described below, the movementof the actuating members 370 from the second position to the firstposition moves the carriage 270 of the carriage assembly 272 to expandthe flexible member 264 of the air pump 204. The inlet valve 324 of theair pump 204 is configured such that the vacuum created by the expansionof the flexible member 264 opens the inlet valve to permit the flow ofair into the air pump 204.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate installation and removal of the refill unit202 of the foam dispenser 200 according to an embodiment of the presentapplication. FIG. 4A illustrates the refill unit 202 removed from theair pump 204 of the foam dispenser 200. FIG. 4B illustrates the refillunit 202 coupled to the air pump of the foam dispenser 200.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the carriage assembly 272 and FIGS. 6A and6B illustrate the operation of the carriage assembly of the foamdispenser 200. As shown, the carriage assembly 272 includes a frame 502,a carriage 270, gear assemblies 504, biasing members 380 and actuatingmembers 370. The frame 502 of the carriage assembly 272 includesbrackets 276 that facilitate proper placement and alignment of thecarriage assembly relative to the second portion 236 of the housing 230.The frame 502 also includes two sets of openings or notches 506configured to hold the gear assemblies 504 in place relative to theframe and permit rotation of the gear assemblies relative to the frame.Further, the frame 502 includes a set of protrusions 508 configured tohold the biasing members 380 in place relative to the frame.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6B, the gear assemblies 504 of the carriageassembly 272 include an upper gear wheel 510 and a lower gear wheel 512.The upper gear wheels 510 are configured to mesh with gear racks 514 onthe outer sides of the carriage 270. As such, rotation of the gearassemblies 504 rotates the upper gear wheels 510 and moves the carriage270 relative to the frame 502. Further, the lower gear wheels 512 areconfigured to mesh with gear racks 516 on the inner sides of theactuating members 370. As such, movement of the actuating members 370rotates the lower gear wheels 512 and the gear assemblies 504. Asillustrated in FIGS. 5-6B, the biasing members 380 are disposed betweenthe actuating members 370 and the frame 502 of the carriage assembly272. The biasing members 380 are held in place by protrusions 518 on theactuating members and the protrusions 508 on the frame 502.

FIG. 6A illustrates the carriage assembly 272 in the first position inwhich the flexible member 264 of the air pump 204 is in a substantiallyexpanded condition. Both FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the pump 262 of therefill unit 202 connected to air pump 204. FIG. 6B illustrates thecarriage assembly 272 in a second position in which the flexible member264 of the air pump 204 is in a substantially collapsed condition. Whenthe actuating members 370 are moved from the first position to thesecond position, the gear racks 516 of the actuating members 370 rotatethe lower gear wheels 512, which in turn rotate the upper gear wheels510 and move the carriage 270 to collapse the flexible member 264 of theair pump 204. When the biasing members 380 move the actuating members370 from the second position to the first position, the gear racks 516of the actuating members rotate the lower gear wheels 512, which in turnrotate the upper gear wheels 510 and move the carriage 270 to expand theflexible member 264 of the air pump 204.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a foam dispenser 900 having aircompressor 910 permanently affixed thereto. The term “permanently” meansthat the air compressor 910 remains with the dispenser 900 when therefill unit 901 is removed. The term permanently does not mean that aircompressor 910 cannot be removed from dispenser 900. In somecircumstances, air compressor 910 may be removed from the dispenser 900and replaced; however, such replacement is not undertaken each time arefill unit 901 is removed or installed in dispenser 900.

In one embodiment, refill unit 901 includes container 920, pump 924,foaming cartridge 956 and outlet nozzle 958. Pump 924 includes many ofthe same features described with respect to liquid pump 262. Pump 924includes a flexible member 932. In one embodiment, flexible member 932is a resilient dome that may be compressed to reduce the volume ofliquid chamber 925. Located proximate the inlet of liquid chamber 925 isa one-way inlet valve 930. One-way inlet valve 930 may be any type ofone-way valve such as, for example, a ball valve (as shown) a slitvalve, a poppet valve, an umbrella valve, a flap valve or any other typeof one-way valve. Upstream of the liquid chamber 925 is passage 928 andinlet 926 that places liquid chamber 925 in fluid communication withcontainer 920. Downstream of liquid chamber 925 is a one-way outletvalve 938. One-way outlet valve 938 may be any type of one-way valvesuch as, for example, a slit valve, a poppet valve, an umbrella valve, aflap valve or any other type of one-way valve. Downstream of one-wayoutlet valve 938 is passage 950 which leads to mixing chamber 952.

Flexible member 932 includes a flap 934. Flap 934 acts as a one-way airinlet valve that allows air from air compressor 910 to flow throughopening 934 into mixing chamber 952. Preferably flap 934 is integrallyformed with flexible member 932; however, in one embodiment, flap 934 isa separate piece. Flap 934 is a sanitary seal in that it prevents liquidfrom contaminating the air compressor 910 which remains with thedispenser 900 when the liquid refill 901 is removed. One or moreadditional on-way valves may be added, in for example, passage 935, toensure that liquid may not contaminated air compressor 910.

Downstream of mixing chamber 952 is mixing cartridge 956 and outletnozzle 958. Mixing cartridge 956 includes screens 957. In oneembodiment, mixing cartridge 956 includes, or is replaced with a porousmember such as, for example a sponge.

Dispenser 900 includes a housing 902. A lid 904 is pivotally attached tohousing 902 by a hinge 906. Lid 904 includes actuator 908 and annularprojection 911. Annular projection 911 engages with the wall 912 of aircompressor 910 and retains or secures air compressor 910 to lid 904 ofdispenser 900. The wall 912 of air compressor 910 may be connected toannular projection 911 with an adhesive, with a threaded connection orany other suitable means. Annular projection 911 includes an air inletopening 913 and a one-way check valve 914 to allow air to enter the aircompressor 910. In one embodiment, a vapor barrier, such as a one-waywoven vapor barrier, e.g. Gortex®, is provided over the air inlet 913 toprevent moisture from entering into air compressor 910. In addition, abiasing member (not shown) is included to move lid 904 to the positionshown in FIG. 9.

Air compressor 910 includes a female receptacle for receiving nozzle960. Nozzle 960 is secured to seat 962 on liquid pump 925. The nozzle960 forms a seal with air compressor 910 when the refill unit 901 isinserted in dispenser 900 and the lid 904 is moved into its operatingposition. Air compressor 910 may include a biasing member (not shown)such as a spring, which may be located inside air compressor 910 to biasair compressor 910 in an expanded position and to ensure that nozzle 960seals against the female receptacle of air compressor 910. Thus, airtraveling from air compressor 901 is forced through opening 936 and doesnot escape around the nozzle 960 and seat 962.

During operation, force F is applied to lid 904. Lid 904 rotates towardthe back of the housing 902. Actuator 908 engages flexible member 932causing the liquid chamber 925 to compress. One-way liquid inlet valve930 seals and liquid is force out of liquid chamber 925 past one-wayoutlet valve 938 through passage 950 and into mixing chamber 952.Simultaneously, air compressor 910 is compressed. One-way air inletvalve 914 closes and air is forced out of passage 935 and the airpressure causes flap 934 to flex and allow air to pass and travel thoughopening 936 into mixing chamber 952 where it mixes with the liquid toform a pre-foam mixture. The mixture is forced through mixing cartridge956 and is dispensed through outlet 958 as a foam.

When force F is removed, a biasing member (not shown) such as, forexample, a spring, moves lid 904 back to its resting position (shown inFIG. 9). The air compressor 910 expands. Flap 934 seals passage 935 andair inlet valve 914 opens allowing air to flow into, and recharge, aircompressor 910. Flexible member 932 is resilient and moves back to theposition shown in FIG. 9 causing the volume of liquid chamber 925 toexpand to its largest volume. The vacuum pressure caused by theexpansion of liquid chamber 925 causes one-way outlet valve 938 to closeand one-way inlet valve 930 to open drawing in liquid from container 920to charge the liquid chamber 925. The dispenser 900 is charged and readyto dispense another shot of foam.

When all of the liquid is drained from container 920, it is time toreplace refill unit 901. Lid 904 is rotated up as shown in FIG. 10. Therefill unit 901, which includes container 920, liquid pump 924,passageway 950, foaming cartridge 956, outlet nozzle 958 and flap 952,is removed from the dispenser 900. A new refill unit 901 is installed.Lid 904 is rotated back down and air compressor 910 and the nozzle 960of air compressor 910 seals against seat 962.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another dispenser 1100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The refill unit 1101 is similar torefill unit 202. Refill unit 1101 differs from refill unit 202 in thatmanifold 206 has been replaced with manifold 1106. Manifold 1106connects to liquid pump 1102 by, for example, a snap fit connection.Manifold 1106 has a housing that includes a longitudinal passageway 1110therethrough. In addition, manifold 1106 includes a funnel shaped airinlet opening 1108. Air inlet opening 1108 is in fluid communicationwith longitudinal passageway 1110.

A sanitary valve 1113 is inserted in longitudinal passageway 1110.Sanitary valve 1113 is a flexible resilient cup shaped valve that has anopening 1114 in the bottom to allow passage of fluid through passageway1110. Sanitary valve 1113 includes an annular extension. The annularextension covers the air inlet opening 1108 in passageway 1110. Duringoperation, air under pressure that enters air inlet opening 1108deflects the annular extension and enters longitudinal passageway 1110.When the air pressure is removed the resilient annular extension sealsair inlet opening 1108 and prevents liquid or foam from passing throughair inlet opening 1108 toward air compressor 1102. A mixing cartridge1116 is also located in longitudinal passageway 1110. Mixing cartridge1116 may include one or more porous members, such as, for examples,screens or sponges. An outlet nozzle 1120 is attached to the end ofmanifold 1106 by any means such as, for example, a snap fit connection.Outlet nozzle 1120 retains mixing cartridge 1116 and sanitary valve 1112within manifold 1106.

Air compressor 1102 is similar to air compressor 910. Air compressor1102 has a different air outlet nozzle 1104. Outlet nozzle 1104 is madefrom a material that is selected to provide a seal against funnel shapedair inlet opening 1108 when the liquid refill unit 1101 is inserted intodispenser 1100 and the lid is closed. The operation of the dispenser1100 is substantially the same as the operation described above withrespect to FIG. 9. During operation, force applied to activate dispenser1100 also aids in sealing of air compressor 1102 to funnel shapedmanifold air inlet 1108.

In some embodiments, the air pump includes an anti-microbial substancemolded into the air pump housing. One suitable anti-microbial substancecontains silver ions and or copper ions. A silver refractory, such as,for example, a glass, oxide, silver phosphate may be used. One suitablecommercially available product is Ultra-Fresh, SA-18, available fromThomson Research Associates, Inc. The anti-microbial substance preventsmold or bacteria from growing inside of the air pump.

In addition, in some embodiments, a vapor barrier, such as a one-waywoven vapor barrier, e.g. Gortex®, is provided over the air inlet intothe air compressor to prevent moisture from entering the air compressor.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details.Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. For example, where components are releasably orremovably connected or attached together, any type of releasableconnection may be suitable including, for example, locking connections,fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further,component geometries, shapes and dimensions can be modified withoutchanging the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, theinventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to thespecific details, the representative apparatus and illustrative examplesshown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from suchdetails without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicants'general inventive concept.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventionsmay be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination inthe exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and featuresmay be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or invarious combinations and sub-combinations thereof Unless expresslyexcluded herein, all such combinations and sub-combinations are intendedto be within the scope of the present invention. Still further, whilevarious alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts andfeatures of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures,configurations, methods, devices and components; alternatives as toform, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, suchdescriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list ofavailable alternative embodiments, whether presently known or laterdeveloped. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of theinventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments anduses within the scope of the present invention even if such embodimentsare not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though somefeatures, concepts or aspects of the invention may be described hereinas being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is notintended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unlessexpressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative valuesand ranges may be included to assist in understanding the presentdisclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in alimiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only ifso expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features andconcepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive orforming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to beexclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts andfeatures that are fully described herein without being expresslyidentified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventionsinstead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions ofexemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all stepsas being required in all cases, nor is the order in which the steps arepresented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly sostated.

We claim:
 1. A refill unit for a foam dispenser that has an air compressor permanently attached to the dispenser, comprising: a liquid container for holding liquid material; a body portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the body portion fluidly coupled to the liquid container; a resilient member secured to the body portion; a liquid chamber formed at least partially by the resilient member, the liquid chamber having a first expanded state and a second contracted state; an outlet nozzle located proximate the second end of the body portion; a mixing chamber located within the body portion in fluid communication with the liquid chamber; an air inlet located through a wall of the body portion in fluid communication with the mixing chamber; the air inlet configured to releasably connect to an air compressor that is permanently attached to a dispenser; a sanitary seal located proximate the air inlet; the air inlet opens to the atmosphere prior to being installed in a dispenser; wherein the sanitary seal allows air into the mixing chamber and prevents liquid from traveling out of the body portion through the air inlet.
 2. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the sanitary seal is formed at least in part by the resilient member that forms the dome.
 3. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the sanitary seal is a located within the interior of the pump body.
 4. The refill unit of claim 3 wherein the sanitary seal is a cup shaped member.
 5. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the air inlet is cylindrical.
 6. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the air inlet is funnel shaped.
 7. The refill unit of claim 1 further comprising a dispenser.
 8. The refill unit of claim 7 wherein the dispenser comprises an air compressor secured thereto.
 9. The refill unit of claim 8 wherein the air compressor is secured to a lid of the dispenser.
 10. The refill unit of claim 8 further comprising an adjustable actuator so that can be adjusted to adjust the volume of fluid moved by compressing the liquid chamber.
 11. A foam dispenser for dispensing foam, comprising: a housing; an air compressor permanently secured to the housing; the air compressor being compressible along a substantially horizontal axis; an air outlet in fluid communication with the air compressor; the air outlet in fluid communication with the atmosphere when there is no refill unit installed in the dispenser; a nozzle connected to the air outlet, the nozzle configured to releasably mate with a manifold that is part of a refill unit; and a liquid pump activating member that moves a portion of a liquid pump to pump a liquid.
 12. The foam dispenser of claim 11 wherein the air compressor comprises a bellows.
 13. The foam dispenser of claim 11 wherein the air compressor is attached to a lid of the dispenser.
 14. The foam dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a sealing member secured to the nozzle, for providing an air tight seal with a refill unit.
 15. A foam dispenser comprising: a housing; an air compressor permanently secured to the housing; the air compressor being compressible along a substantially horizontal axis; the air compressor comprising an outlet nozzle, the outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the atmosphere; a sealing member for sealing the nozzle to a manifold of a refill unit, wherein the nozzle is releasably sealed to a manifold of a refill unit forming an airtight seal with the manifold when the refill unit is installed in the foam dispenser and a liquid pump activating member that moves a portion of a liquid pump to pump.
 16. The foam dispenser of claim 15 further comprising a refill unit comprising a manifold having an air inlet.
 17. The foam dispenser of claim 15 further comprising an adjustable actuator that may be adjusted to adjust the volume of liquid dispensed by the dispenser during actuation.
 18. The foam dispenser of claim 16 wherein the refill unit comprises a sanitary seal, wherein the sanitary seal allows air to enter the manifold air inlet and prevents liquid from exiting the manifold through the air inlet.
 19. The foam dispenser of claim 16 comprising a liquid pump chamber formed at least in part by a resilient member.
 20. The foam dispenser of claim 19 further comprising a sanitary seal formed at least in part by the resilient member. 